Brier Island

This past weekend Tony and I ran away to Brier Island. I have always had a long list of reasons as to why I can’t go anywhere, not least of which is a sense of needing to be open in case someone comes to visit my studio. But Robin, who runs the Chester Bay Chalet, said it best when I called to book Lego into Dog Camp. She said, “you always remember the times you got away.” Sometimes you just have to hang up the closed sign and go enjoy the world, particularly when you live in one of the most beautiful parts of it.

I can count the number of times that Tony and I have gotten away by ourselves, without junior, on two fingers. But both times are remarkable because we are immediately reminded of how much we like each other. Take ‘what’s for dinner’, dishes, bills, child rearing and work out of the picture and we are the best of companions.

Brier Island surpassed any expectations that we had formed in the 24 hours between hearing about it and deciding to go there. If you are looking for entertainment in the classic sense of the word then this is not the place for you, but if you love nature, unpretentious beauty, sea creatures, birds, wild flowers, rocks, peeling paint and old boats then this place is paradise. It is unadulterated Nova Scotia.

I didn’t put a sound track over the video because what is most impressive are the sounds of the seagulls squawking, the seals barking, the rustling wind and the whales.

Sunday morning we went out on a Whale Watching Boat run by Brier Island Whale and Seabird Cruises. These guys are simply the best. There were several naturalists on board to explain what we were seeing and answer questions. We saw many Humpback whales, a Basking Shark, Harbour Porpoises and a Puffin!

The whales were the stars of the show. They were so clearly entertained by us humans. They swam under the boat and generally showed off for us. At one point, two of them turned to face us and just watched. I felt pretty privileged to be a part of their lives for a short period of time.

Unfortunately, we didn’t stay there, but if when we go again we will choose the Brier Island Lodge . From the photos it seemed a bit Roadside Motel, but in actuality, it’s open with lots of picture windows to let in the view. They have a charming lounge, where you could hang out on a rainy day and the restaurant is excellent.

Nova Scotia summer is short, but I’m so glad I filled this one with a memory of Brier Island.